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Theologians on the Christian Life
Bavinck on the Christian Life: Following Jesus in Faithful Service
Herman Bavinck looms large as one of the nineteenth century's greatest Christian thinkers, contributing much to modern Reformed theology. Yet, despite his theological prowess, Bavinck was first and foremost concerned with being “a worthy follower of Jesus.” In this book, John Bolt―editor of the English edition of Bavinck’s four-volume masterpiece, Reformed Dogmatics ―brings the great Dutch theologian’s life and work to bear on following Jesus in the twenty-first century, helping us see the direct connection between robust theology, practical holiness, and personal joy. Part of the Theologians on the Christian Life series.
272 pages, Paperback
First published August 31, 2015
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339 people want to read
About the author
John Bolt
39 books6 followersJohn Bolt is an American-Dutch Reformed theologian. He is a professor emeritus of systematic theology at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the author and editor of several books. He edited Herman Bavinck's Gereformeerde Dogmatiek into English as Reformed Dogmatics. Bavinck influenced him into theological method.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 11, 2015
A timely book by Professor of Systematic Theology at Calvin Theological, John Bolt, "Bavinck on the Christian Life" is sure to stand out from the other books in this Zondervan series. For example, we all have heard and know about Luther and Augustine; but how many know of the erudite Dutch theologian, Herman Bavinck?
The book is split nicely into three main sections covering a short bio on Bavinck and the foundations for Christian living, the shape of Christian discipleship, and last, the practice of Christian discipleship. Bolt's analysis is simply excellent, as he certainly is one of the foremost preeminent Bavinck scholars alive today.
What is more, a never before translated sermon, in fact Bavinck's only published sermon ever, appears at the end bringing this stellar book to a conclusion in Bavinck's own voice on 1 Jn 5:4b. If you have never heard of Bavinck, this is a must read. Hopefully it will inspire a new, younger generation to pick up Bavinck who is more accessable to English speakers than ever before.
The book is split nicely into three main sections covering a short bio on Bavinck and the foundations for Christian living, the shape of Christian discipleship, and last, the practice of Christian discipleship. Bolt's analysis is simply excellent, as he certainly is one of the foremost preeminent Bavinck scholars alive today.
What is more, a never before translated sermon, in fact Bavinck's only published sermon ever, appears at the end bringing this stellar book to a conclusion in Bavinck's own voice on 1 Jn 5:4b. If you have never heard of Bavinck, this is a must read. Hopefully it will inspire a new, younger generation to pick up Bavinck who is more accessable to English speakers than ever before.
September 20, 2015
This is a very fine introduction to the thought and piety of Herman Bavinck. Surveys a nice sampling of his Reformed Dogmatics and other less known writings. The best chapters came in the second half of the book, specifically those on Marriage & Family, Vocation, Civil Society, etc. Also, the chapter on Worldview thinking was very good.
I’m glad this series exists. Not only does it introduce many to foundational thinkers in the Christian church, but those people are introduced by veritable experts in their field. Thus, not only is this book great because it is about Bavinck, but that it’s written by Bolt – the man who has introduced so many of us to Bavinck.
I’m glad this series exists. Not only does it introduce many to foundational thinkers in the Christian church, but those people are introduced by veritable experts in their field. Thus, not only is this book great because it is about Bavinck, but that it’s written by Bolt – the man who has introduced so many of us to Bavinck.
August 22, 2020
This is a brilliant book. I read this as a primer before diving into “The Wonderful Works of God” and it did not disappoint.
The first biographical chapter is slightly clunky and I started to wonder what the book rest of the book was going to be like, but it turned out to be excellent. The chapters on union with Christ and culture are especially good and it was hard not to just underline everything. The extensive quotes from Bavinck expose his lucid prose and have definitely got me excited to read him more extensively.
9/10
The first biographical chapter is slightly clunky and I started to wonder what the book rest of the book was going to be like, but it turned out to be excellent. The chapters on union with Christ and culture are especially good and it was hard not to just underline everything. The extensive quotes from Bavinck expose his lucid prose and have definitely got me excited to read him more extensively.
9/10
June 11, 2023
I am growing to appreciate Bavinck more and more.
June 5, 2025
If no one else will say it, I will…Bavinck is electric 🤘🏼
May 25, 2024
An enjoyable read. Love me some Neo-Calvinism. 4 stars because I don't like the name Herman. Like dude is that your name or your pronouns?
December 6, 2024
An excellent overview of Bavinck on the Christian life. John Bolt is an expert and reliable guide to the contours of Bavinck's theology, but also provides his own helpful applications and insertions at many points. The Bavinck sermon appended as the final chapter is it self-worth the price of the book.
Dec 2024: read again...thinking it was my first read through! Thanks to Goodreads, I discovered I read this 8 years ago, have lost all memory of it, and lost the book. But the judgment still stands: it's a good summary of Bavinck, and the sermon is gold. Now to find my missing copy...
Dec 2024: read again...thinking it was my first read through! Thanks to Goodreads, I discovered I read this 8 years ago, have lost all memory of it, and lost the book. But the judgment still stands: it's a good summary of Bavinck, and the sermon is gold. Now to find my missing copy...
May 28, 2020
A well written book with even better knowledge of the subject, Herman Bavinck. The book gives the reader an understanding of the depth of Bavinck’s understanding of God who reveals and in Christ overcomes the world. Bavinck is a key scholar within Theology that the world needs to visit and revisit today. He speaks the truth in love and writes in such a way that shows forth our reasonable faith.
August 24, 2024
Excellent introduction to Bavinck.
May 6, 2025
Informative. I'm excited to get back into Reformed Dogmatics after reading this!
October 29, 2020
I was disappointed with this book, not because there wasn't depth - Bolt quotes extensively from Herman Bavinck's works - rather, I found this too "theoretical." Published by Crossway in its "Theologians on the Christian Life" series, I expected that this would be more practical and pastoral. However, I finished reading with a feeling that a lot of "right" things were said, but the concern for being right superseded making the material helpful for the average Christian on the street.
Divided into three parts, with a biographic introduction and a concluding sermon, the book's structure was promising:
Introducing Bavinck: "A Worthy Follower of Jesus"
Part 1: Foundation for Christian Living
1) Created in God's image
2) The Law and the Duty of Christian Obedience
3) Union with Christ
Part 2: The Shape of Christian Discipleship
1) Following Jesus
2) A Christian Worldview
Part 3: The Practice of Christian Discipleship
1) Marriage and Family
2) Work and Vocation
3) Culture and Education
4) Civil Society
Concluding Sermon: "The World-Conquering Power of Faith"
I found the best parts of the book in Part 1 where Bolt identifies and explores Bavinck's two doctrines underlying the Dutch theologian's corpus: the Trinity and Union with Christ, and a translation of Bavinck's sermon "The World-Conquering Power of Faith." Bolt shows that Bavinck is classically Reformed, having a strong creational theology and emphasising how the unity of "the Law" across Old and New Testaments. Union with Christ then becomes the foundation upon which all aspects of Christian discipleship is built. The concluding sermon is stirring. Taking 1 John 5:4b as a starting point, Bavinck launches into a gospel presentation and a clarion call to hold on to the Christian faith.
However, I found Part 3 disappointing. I was hoping for Bavinck or Bolt to show go beyond macro-principles about marriage, family, work and vocation. However, I found Bolt to only focus on establishing high-level standards, rather than drill down to specific issues that concern everyday folk. For example, in the chapter on work and vocation, Bolt shows that Bavinck had a high view of all forms of vocation, even those outside of "full-time gospel ministry." But many other Christian scholars and pastors can say the same thing. However, the discussion remains at that level - how does knowing this trickle down to the layperson who struggles with difficulties at work?
I also found the chapter on "Civil Society" disappointing. Bolt has an extended discussion on Bavinck's opposition towards the "Social Gospel." Bolt writes that for Bavinck, "The kingdom of God is an eschatological reality regarded primarily in terms of future consummation. To the extent that it is also a present reality, it is spiritual and internal (p. 210)." Later, Bolt writes, "The Bible's concentration and focus is soteriological, not social and ethical; the latter two concerns are derivative and secondary (p. 211)." Why is social and ethical issues separated from Christian soteriology? If Christ came to redeem the world and usher in new heavens and new earth, why should not all aspects of human life fall under God's complete and comprehensive salvific plan to unite all things in Christ?
I can understand Bavinck's concern to combat those who present the gospel message only as eliciting social change - that is not right - but surely going to the opposite extreme as making the kingdom of God only spiritual and internal (today) is not doctrinally sound? Bavinck's response to inequality and the concerns of the "Social Gospel" reads almost like a cop-out. Suggesting that economic inequality mirrors the doctrine of predestination (pp. 219-221), he writes that "and what is true for the eternal destiny of the elect and the reprobate is manifestly also the case with respect to the diversity and inequality in creation (p. 221)." Unless I am grossly misreading Bolt, the answer to inequality in society is that we just have to accept it as "mystery."
As a "good" Reformed Christian, I can understand and accept his foundational point, but throughout the book, Bolt has been eager to show that Bavinck's opposes a "retreatist" approach towards the wider culture, towards one of active engagement. But to me, this active engagement is limited to speeches - saying the right thing and opposing the wrong thing. But what about solutions or actions? What about the call for Christian business owners or those in the corporate world to consider the economic, social, environmental impacts of our work? Sure, there is a section about justice and mercy, that "Reformed people [are not led] to defeatist resignation in the face of injustice, tyranny, and oppression (p. 226)[.]" But what follows does not lay out an approach or strategy to apply theological principles to address this issue.
My apologies if this review sounds combative, but reading this book as a middle-class layperson, I was really looking for models about how average Christians, especially those less fortunate than me, can live our their faith in a Christ-honouring way. COVID-19 has exposed the fragility of our social order, and raised questions about Christians' relationship to the government, to work, and to social relations. I read this book hoping for clarity, for answers. But in my view, Bolt and Bavinck said many right things, but forgot about the people on the ground.
There is much more to say. Yes, there are illuminating points throughout the book. Bavinck's mind is amazing and his engagement with the wider culture is exemplary. Richard B. Gaffin Jr.'s endorsement is a great summary of what the reader can take away from this book "Leaving virtually no pertinent stone unturned throughout his life and published works, Bolt provides both a full presentation of Bavinck's views and his own understanding of their continuing relevance for Christian discipleship today." A caveat, the "continuing relevance" aspect is (in my view), mostly dealing with macro-level issues.
Although the book is packed with endorsements, I wouldn't recommend it to someone who is looking for practical advice about how to lead the Christian life. I was left asking "so what?" or "what does that look like in day-to-day living?" too often without any answers. Perhaps that's what Bavinck or Bolt were aiming for - laying down principles rather than giving specific answers to specific questions. They are in their right to do so, but I would advise a potential reader to skip this book if you're looking for something more.
Divided into three parts, with a biographic introduction and a concluding sermon, the book's structure was promising:
Introducing Bavinck: "A Worthy Follower of Jesus"
Part 1: Foundation for Christian Living
1) Created in God's image
2) The Law and the Duty of Christian Obedience
3) Union with Christ
Part 2: The Shape of Christian Discipleship
1) Following Jesus
2) A Christian Worldview
Part 3: The Practice of Christian Discipleship
1) Marriage and Family
2) Work and Vocation
3) Culture and Education
4) Civil Society
Concluding Sermon: "The World-Conquering Power of Faith"
I found the best parts of the book in Part 1 where Bolt identifies and explores Bavinck's two doctrines underlying the Dutch theologian's corpus: the Trinity and Union with Christ, and a translation of Bavinck's sermon "The World-Conquering Power of Faith." Bolt shows that Bavinck is classically Reformed, having a strong creational theology and emphasising how the unity of "the Law" across Old and New Testaments. Union with Christ then becomes the foundation upon which all aspects of Christian discipleship is built. The concluding sermon is stirring. Taking 1 John 5:4b as a starting point, Bavinck launches into a gospel presentation and a clarion call to hold on to the Christian faith.
However, I found Part 3 disappointing. I was hoping for Bavinck or Bolt to show go beyond macro-principles about marriage, family, work and vocation. However, I found Bolt to only focus on establishing high-level standards, rather than drill down to specific issues that concern everyday folk. For example, in the chapter on work and vocation, Bolt shows that Bavinck had a high view of all forms of vocation, even those outside of "full-time gospel ministry." But many other Christian scholars and pastors can say the same thing. However, the discussion remains at that level - how does knowing this trickle down to the layperson who struggles with difficulties at work?
I also found the chapter on "Civil Society" disappointing. Bolt has an extended discussion on Bavinck's opposition towards the "Social Gospel." Bolt writes that for Bavinck, "The kingdom of God is an eschatological reality regarded primarily in terms of future consummation. To the extent that it is also a present reality, it is spiritual and internal (p. 210)." Later, Bolt writes, "The Bible's concentration and focus is soteriological, not social and ethical; the latter two concerns are derivative and secondary (p. 211)." Why is social and ethical issues separated from Christian soteriology? If Christ came to redeem the world and usher in new heavens and new earth, why should not all aspects of human life fall under God's complete and comprehensive salvific plan to unite all things in Christ?
I can understand Bavinck's concern to combat those who present the gospel message only as eliciting social change - that is not right - but surely going to the opposite extreme as making the kingdom of God only spiritual and internal (today) is not doctrinally sound? Bavinck's response to inequality and the concerns of the "Social Gospel" reads almost like a cop-out. Suggesting that economic inequality mirrors the doctrine of predestination (pp. 219-221), he writes that "and what is true for the eternal destiny of the elect and the reprobate is manifestly also the case with respect to the diversity and inequality in creation (p. 221)." Unless I am grossly misreading Bolt, the answer to inequality in society is that we just have to accept it as "mystery."
As a "good" Reformed Christian, I can understand and accept his foundational point, but throughout the book, Bolt has been eager to show that Bavinck's opposes a "retreatist" approach towards the wider culture, towards one of active engagement. But to me, this active engagement is limited to speeches - saying the right thing and opposing the wrong thing. But what about solutions or actions? What about the call for Christian business owners or those in the corporate world to consider the economic, social, environmental impacts of our work? Sure, there is a section about justice and mercy, that "Reformed people [are not led] to defeatist resignation in the face of injustice, tyranny, and oppression (p. 226)[.]" But what follows does not lay out an approach or strategy to apply theological principles to address this issue.
My apologies if this review sounds combative, but reading this book as a middle-class layperson, I was really looking for models about how average Christians, especially those less fortunate than me, can live our their faith in a Christ-honouring way. COVID-19 has exposed the fragility of our social order, and raised questions about Christians' relationship to the government, to work, and to social relations. I read this book hoping for clarity, for answers. But in my view, Bolt and Bavinck said many right things, but forgot about the people on the ground.
There is much more to say. Yes, there are illuminating points throughout the book. Bavinck's mind is amazing and his engagement with the wider culture is exemplary. Richard B. Gaffin Jr.'s endorsement is a great summary of what the reader can take away from this book "Leaving virtually no pertinent stone unturned throughout his life and published works, Bolt provides both a full presentation of Bavinck's views and his own understanding of their continuing relevance for Christian discipleship today." A caveat, the "continuing relevance" aspect is (in my view), mostly dealing with macro-level issues.
Although the book is packed with endorsements, I wouldn't recommend it to someone who is looking for practical advice about how to lead the Christian life. I was left asking "so what?" or "what does that look like in day-to-day living?" too often without any answers. Perhaps that's what Bavinck or Bolt were aiming for - laying down principles rather than giving specific answers to specific questions. They are in their right to do so, but I would advise a potential reader to skip this book if you're looking for something more.
April 28, 2018
A great introduction to Bavinck's theology, thought and life. I started reading it with a friend to explore more what the Christian life is about. It has stretched my thinking, given me a higher view of humanity as the image of God, and clarified some questions on the place of the law in Bavinck’s thought.
September 6, 2022
A fascinating overview of Bavinck's life and thought. Helpful in clarifying what Reformed Theology can be said to think of issues of faith and life. However, as others have said, it is still somewhat disappointing in the lack of practical application for everyday life for the average Christian.
I am glad to have read it and to have gained an insight into the life and thoughts of an influential theologian in the Reformed tradition but feel that I can legitimately lay him to one side and look at other persons/areas of interest instead.
I am glad to have read it and to have gained an insight into the life and thoughts of an influential theologian in the Reformed tradition but feel that I can legitimately lay him to one side and look at other persons/areas of interest instead.
December 28, 2024
In the Christian Life series, this book dives in to the culture of the Dutch Reformed world 100 years ago. It shows how much of his context contributed to Bavincks theology. His depart from Kuyper and his emphasis on the Creation Mandate and true discipleship. In all things, we must apply theological triage and make necessary distinctions. Academia is necessary and a tool in helping others to see God’s Glory
May 27, 2020
Well done
Good introduction to Bavinck and yet it was over my head. This makes sense considering the magnitude of Bavinks theological prowess but he’s on another level when it comes to applying it to the the Christian life. Deep end of the pool and a transformationalist so be ready fo a lot of interaction with society and the state.
Good introduction to Bavinck and yet it was over my head. This makes sense considering the magnitude of Bavinks theological prowess but he’s on another level when it comes to applying it to the the Christian life. Deep end of the pool and a transformationalist so be ready fo a lot of interaction with society and the state.
March 6, 2022
If you haven't read Bavinck before or you're interested in know more about what the foundations of our Christian life are, what should shape our life, and how it is reflected in our daily lives (family, work, culture, and society); this is a good start!
July 12, 2024
Great introduction to Bavinck. Bolt does an excellent job of letting Bavinck speak for himself and of showing how Bavinck’s life and doctrine are relevant for today. Overall, this book served as a helpful introduction to this Dutch theologian and makes me excited to pick up Reformed Dogmatics.
May 1, 2025
Really great introductory breakdown of how God used Bavinck during the birth of this strange new world & how God's Word & His gospel applies to every part of life. As it is the truth - the faith that overcomes the world!
June 19, 2018
I enjoy reading Bavinck, I did not enjoy reading about him. Not sure if his life was mundane or if the book was just poorly written. I wanted to like this and just couldn't do it.
August 9, 2020
Really good! Highly recommend for anyone who wants an overview of Bavinck.
His chapters on the Trinity and the Family were particularly good, as was the chapter on politics.
His chapters on the Trinity and the Family were particularly good, as was the chapter on politics.
September 3, 2020
DNF - it’s fine, just fine
January 20, 2021
This book did its job - made me interested in reading primary sources by Bavinck. Bolt’s enthusiasm for Bavinck is obvious and makes the read that much better.
October 7, 2025
A nice introduction to Bavinck
September 13, 2016
For anyone who is a reformed or Van Tillian fan, Herman Bavinck would be one person you would highly respect. However the 4 volume Reformed Dogmatics may be a bit too intimidating for someone who wants to know what Bavinck has to teach to Christians. There is now one introduction to the works of Bavinck that aims to serve the laity.
John Bolt, the translator of the 4 volume Reformed Dogmatics has written this book to let christian readers know what Bavinck has to say about christian living. Bolt starts by telling the readers Bavinck’s theological foundation for the christian life. In this section, Bolt elaborates on what it means to be created in God’s image and more importantly, what union with Christ means for the christian. Bolt highlights and shows why Bavinck thought this doctrine is foundational to the christian life.
Next, Bolt moves to show what it means to be a disciple of Christ and what a christian worldview is. This section really is a bridge to the applicational section which comes next. Bolt shows how Bavinck used his theological might to think deeply about issues that are fundamental to the christian life. Bolt shows what Bavinck thought about the value and bible’s teaching on marriage and family and vacation. Bolt also highlights what Bavinck’s thought on the society from a macro-perspective.
What is valuable in this book is how Bolt shows the historical context of the times Bavinck lives in. As we are often reminded, history does not occur in a vacuum, Bolt shows the significance of Bavinck in the way he critiques his society and the liberal christians in the Netherlands. Similarly, Bolt highlights areas where Bavinck differs from Abraham Kuyper. This gives the readers a wholesome picture that sometimes even the titans of the Dutch Reformed church had issues they didn’t agree with. Bolt also ends with the translation the only sermon we currently have from Bavinck. I have to say, I think it was a great idea by Bolt and the editors to have included this sermon in this book.
I have gained much from reading this book, this has given me a much deeper appreciation of Bavinck not only as a theologian, but as a churchman, as a pastor and and a public theologian. This book is certainly recommended for any Reformed christians or for anyone who is interested in knowing more about Herman Bavinck.
Rating: 4.25 / 5
Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
John Bolt, the translator of the 4 volume Reformed Dogmatics has written this book to let christian readers know what Bavinck has to say about christian living. Bolt starts by telling the readers Bavinck’s theological foundation for the christian life. In this section, Bolt elaborates on what it means to be created in God’s image and more importantly, what union with Christ means for the christian. Bolt highlights and shows why Bavinck thought this doctrine is foundational to the christian life.
Next, Bolt moves to show what it means to be a disciple of Christ and what a christian worldview is. This section really is a bridge to the applicational section which comes next. Bolt shows how Bavinck used his theological might to think deeply about issues that are fundamental to the christian life. Bolt shows what Bavinck thought about the value and bible’s teaching on marriage and family and vacation. Bolt also highlights what Bavinck’s thought on the society from a macro-perspective.
What is valuable in this book is how Bolt shows the historical context of the times Bavinck lives in. As we are often reminded, history does not occur in a vacuum, Bolt shows the significance of Bavinck in the way he critiques his society and the liberal christians in the Netherlands. Similarly, Bolt highlights areas where Bavinck differs from Abraham Kuyper. This gives the readers a wholesome picture that sometimes even the titans of the Dutch Reformed church had issues they didn’t agree with. Bolt also ends with the translation the only sermon we currently have from Bavinck. I have to say, I think it was a great idea by Bolt and the editors to have included this sermon in this book.
I have gained much from reading this book, this has given me a much deeper appreciation of Bavinck not only as a theologian, but as a churchman, as a pastor and and a public theologian. This book is certainly recommended for any Reformed christians or for anyone who is interested in knowing more about Herman Bavinck.
Rating: 4.25 / 5
Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
March 23, 2016
I enjoyed this less than I was expecting to. There is so much to be said in favour of this work. There is no author, alive or dead, who has a better grasp of Bavinck's theology than John Bolt; this is apparent from Bolt's broad use of Bavinck's writings, his ability to locate it historically, and then apply it to the contemporary church. As other reviewers have noted: the structure of the book is clear and seamless in tying Bavinck's theology to its practical outworking.
However, I thought the book could've been better, for a few reasons. Bolt takes the reader on some inexplicable segues, neither biographical nor apparently relevant to the theology. I'm not convinced this collection from Crossway should be classified as biographical, and in my opinion that's a little misleading. While Bavinck's theology is well situated by Bolt, the details about Bavinck are never more than a backdrop for his theology or offered examples of how it worked practically. Lastly, the book was at times quite stodgy and demanding.
Perhaps I've been too harsh. So I'll conclude by heartily recommending this piece for its unparalleled arrangement of and insights into Bavinck's theology for the Christian life. It will stretch and challenge you, giving a greater appreciation for the man as well as his contributions to theology. And I will definitely find myself reading it again.
However, I thought the book could've been better, for a few reasons. Bolt takes the reader on some inexplicable segues, neither biographical nor apparently relevant to the theology. I'm not convinced this collection from Crossway should be classified as biographical, and in my opinion that's a little misleading. While Bavinck's theology is well situated by Bolt, the details about Bavinck are never more than a backdrop for his theology or offered examples of how it worked practically. Lastly, the book was at times quite stodgy and demanding.
Perhaps I've been too harsh. So I'll conclude by heartily recommending this piece for its unparalleled arrangement of and insights into Bavinck's theology for the Christian life. It will stretch and challenge you, giving a greater appreciation for the man as well as his contributions to theology. And I will definitely find myself reading it again.
April 4, 2016
**true rating 3.5
A marvelous scholar and benevolent pastor, Herman Bavinck towers as a faithful theologian in the midst of the intellectual furnace of 19th century Europe. His undying dedication to the Church was staked by his constant turndowns of alluring university offers. However, being an academic through and through, Bavinck brought the university's fervor to the Church in his faithful service as a pastor-professor. The book is split into three unequal parts: (1) Quick sketch of the man himself, (2) Bavinck's foundation for Christian conduct, and (3) Specific contexts for appropriate Christian conduct. The last chapter, Civil Society, could irritatingly shake any moderately conscious social justice personae, however, as a meticulous reader of Calvin, Bavinck is thoroughly saturated with compassionate for the marginalized. Personally, I would not say what Bavinck says about society, but the principle Christian ethics interposes with mine beautifully.
cf. www.sooholee.wordpress.com
A marvelous scholar and benevolent pastor, Herman Bavinck towers as a faithful theologian in the midst of the intellectual furnace of 19th century Europe. His undying dedication to the Church was staked by his constant turndowns of alluring university offers. However, being an academic through and through, Bavinck brought the university's fervor to the Church in his faithful service as a pastor-professor. The book is split into three unequal parts: (1) Quick sketch of the man himself, (2) Bavinck's foundation for Christian conduct, and (3) Specific contexts for appropriate Christian conduct. The last chapter, Civil Society, could irritatingly shake any moderately conscious social justice personae, however, as a meticulous reader of Calvin, Bavinck is thoroughly saturated with compassionate for the marginalized. Personally, I would not say what Bavinck says about society, but the principle Christian ethics interposes with mine beautifully.
cf. www.sooholee.wordpress.com
December 31, 2016
John Bolt's entry in this series is heavily theological as befits his subject matter. Included are excellent discussions of the image of God in man, union with Christ, imitation of Christ and more. Nevertheless these theological foundations really do lead to the practical, as one would expect from this series. Given the subject, the Christian life in view is not the personal life only, though Bavinck values personal piety greatly. The Christian life in marriage, family, work, education, culture, and society are the focus of latter part of the book. Bolt does an admirable job of summarizing Bavinck's thought in each of these areas. Bolt is no mere summarizer, however. He will comment on areas where he thinks Bavinck or his later followers went astray, or he will apply Bavinck's thought to more recent issues. Bolt's judgments in these sections are always valuable.
Read
January 21, 2016This is the third book in this series I've finished. While it is third for me (Edwards first, Packer second), there were moments when I was moved in ways that trump anything from the others. Especially so when Bolt finishes the book with a first-in-English translation of Bavinck's sermon on 1 John 5:4. Tough sledding at times, this is an excellent introduction to Bavinck and worth the effort it takes to read and process.
December 19, 2016
John Bolt provides a thorough overview of Bavinck's theology. This was a helpful introduction to Bacinck himself, as well as Dutch Reformes theology more generally. I read this book as a primer for Bavinck's magisterial Reformed Dogmatics.
I'm thankful for the "Theologians on the Christian Life" series and plan to buy/read more titles from it.
I'm thankful for the "Theologians on the Christian Life" series and plan to buy/read more titles from it.
August 29, 2015
I've always loved Bavinck, and this book is a good reason why. Dedicated to a gospel of grace that impacts all areas of life and leads to a careful heeding of the law of God. Integrated faith and politics ably without going all the way with Kuyper.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews